KINGSTON, Jamaica – British-born Sunshine Girl Brie Grierson feels absolutely at home as she blends into her new environment, bonds with the girls and is ready to deliver that elusive gold medal to Jamaica.
The 27-year-old Grierson is the newest addition to Jamaica’s national netball team, and she is eager to make her mark on the international stage.
Born in Leeds, England, Grierson’s connection to Jamaica are strong, thanks to her father’s roots that run deep in Jamaica – Moco, Clarendon to be exact.
As a child, she spent countless summers soaking up the Jamaican sun, playing on the island’s stunning beaches and immersing herself in the vibrant culture. Her parents ensured she stayed connected to her heritage, and her love for Jamaica grew stronger each year.
Now, she is on a mission that starts against the South Africans, and she is expected to make her debut in the three-Test series on Saturday.
But after that, she hopes to take home the Jamaican chef who is providing the numerous sumptuous meals at the team’s residence — Marva Bernard Netball Chalet.
“We have a chef at the netball house and I said to him this morning, when I go back to England, you’re coming with me because I am going to miss the food so much,” she told the Observer Online.
Grierson, who has been coming to Jamaica since she was two years old, is in love with ackee and salt fish and curry goat.
Standing at 1.75m tall, the wily player who recently signed for Nottingham Forest in the English Netball Super League, can play as a goal attack or wing attack.
Having represented England at the youth level, Grierson is eager to play international netball and is raring to go against the South Africans.
“We just came off the back of beating the Roses (England), which is amazing and we want to carry on with the momentum,” said Grierson.
“So, for us, we’re looking for a three-game win in the series. South Africa has a great squad, so we’re not taking it lightly. But I think the more game time we can get, the better,” she added.
Jamaica, currently ranked third in the world, has come close on several occasions to win a major tournament but fallen short, and Grierson believes the Sunshine Girls have enough talent to pull it off eventually.
Grierson, who trained with the Jamaican team when they were in England, knew then that they are a special unit and wanted to join as she has been in talks for a couple of years about becoming a Sunshine Girl.
“I said to Shamera (Sterling-Humphreys), I’m coming on board and we’re gonna win a gold. That is the aim and she was like ‘yeah 100 per cent’. I think we have a talented enough squad to win gold,” said Grierson.
For now, off the court, she is enjoying the warm Jamaican hospitality, settling well and appreciating the welcome she got from the girls.
“I was a little bit nervous but excited. I’ve had the biggest welcome. I feel so at home here. Everyone’s been amazing. I don’t wanna leave,” said Grierson.
With her unique blend of English determination and Jamaican flair, Grierson is ready to shine and help the Sunshine Girls achieve greatness.
– H W